Antwerp is a modern city with cool architecture, great food scene and some gorgeous galleries. It’s also a great place to spend a night about a third of the way into a cycling holiday from Amsterdam to Paris.
An ancient port city, it’s historical and hip, foodie and fun, with highlights including the now iconic Museum aan de Stroom in the dockside area of Eilandje, Grote Markt in the heart of the Old Town with its ancient guild houses and coffee houses.
The Palm Jumeirah Tour
“Imagine a tranquil oasis in the heart of Dubai, where crystal-clear waters lap against pristine beaches and luxurious resorts. Welcome to the Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island that embodies the essence of luxury and relaxation.
As we explore this stunning island, you’ll discover:
Breathtaking views: Of the Arabian Gulf and the Dubai Marina skyline
Luxurious resorts: Like the iconic Atlantis, The Palm hotel
Vibrant attractions: Such as The Pointe and Club Vista Mare
Get ready to unwind in style and experience the ultimate Palm Jumeirah getaway.”
Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque (Abu Dhabi)
“As we step into the majestic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning architecture and breathtaking beauty of this iconic landmark. Your knowledgeable guide will lead you through the mosque’s impressive courtyards, adorned with intricate Islamic geometric patterns and ornate details.
Get ready to be awestruck by:
The world’s largest handmade carpet: Covering the prayer hall’s floor
24-carat gold-plated chandeliers: Adorning the ceiling
82 domes: Decorated with intricate Islamic designs
Your guide will share fascinating insights into the mosque’s history, significance, and Islamic traditions, giving you a deeper understanding of this incredible monument.”
The Louvre Abu Dhabi Tour
Stop 1: The Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum
“As we step into the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, you’ll be struck by the stunning architecture of this iconic building. Designed by Jean Nouvel, the museum’s dome-shaped design is inspired by the traditional Arabic architecture.
Your guide will lead you through the museum’s 12 chapters, showcasing a chronological journey from prehistory to the present day. Be amazed by the stunning collections, including:
Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronnière (1490-1496)
Vincent van Gogh’s The Village Street (1888)
Claude Monet’s The Seine at Rouen (1872)
Get ready to discover the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East and beyond!”
The Museum of the Future Tour
“Standing before the towering oval structure, its metallic surface gleaming in the Dubai sun, I felt like I’d stepped into tomorrow. The Arabic calligraphy etched across the building’s exterior created windows that flooded the interior with dancing shadows. As I stepped inside, my digital guide activated, and the future began to unfold. In the space station simulation, Earth hung like a delicate blue marble below, while robotic assistants glided silently past. Each floor revealed new wonders: a DNA library housing the secrets of thousands of species, meditation pods that seemed to float in mid-air, and interactive displays that responded to my every movement. Children in the Future Heroes section piloted drones through virtual skies while their parents explored cutting-edge climate solutions nearby. This wasn’t just a museum – it was a portal to possibilities, where humanity’s potential manifested in every exhibit. As I placed my hand on a sensor in the Tomorrow Today section, my own biological data transformed into a mesmerizing digital artwork, a perfect metaphor for how technology and humanity have become inexorably intertwined.”
From the top, head to nearby Parc de la Citadelle where the view is fantastic, across this busy Belgian city in the French speaking Wallonia region. The Musée de la Vie Wallonne is another top spot to learn about Wallonia’s cultural heritage, as is the city’s Opéra Royal de Wallonie.
Ghent is gorgeous stop on our Belgium holidays and even more so when you arrive after a day of cycling from Antwerp en route to Paris, pedalling past dykes, castles and the peaceful waterfront wetlands of the River Scheldt. In Ghent itself, you’ll see a city that has revitalised itself from a little bit sleepy classical to contemporary cool.
